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Apps Pose Threat for Mobile Users

By Irene Gaitirira
Published August 27, 2019

Apps pose a real problem for mobile users, who give them sweeping permissions, but don’t always check securitySecurity threats to mobile devices are on the rise.

A cybersecurity company called Kaspersky says that unsecured Wi-Fi connections, network spoofing, phishing attacks, ransomware, spyware, improper session
handling and ever growing number of users make mobile devices an easier target.

In 2019, Kaspersky says, the number of worldwide mobile phone users is forecast to reach 4.68 billion of which 2.7 billion are smartphone users.

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Kaspersky, a Russian company founded in 1997, says mobile apps are often the cause of unintentional data leakage.

Ssix Android apps that were downloaded 90 million times from the Google Play Store were found to have been loaded with the  PreAMo malware, while another recent threat saw 50 malware-filled apps on the Google Play Store infect over 30 million Android devices. Surveillance malware  was also loaded onto fake versions of Android apps such as Evernote, Google Play and Skype.“Apps pose a real problem for mobile users, who give them sweeping permissions, but don’t always check security,” says Riaan Badenhorst, General Manager for Kaspersky in Africa. “These are typically free apps found in official app stores that perform as advertised, but also send personal – and potentially corporate – data to a remote server, where it is mined by advertisers or even cybercriminals. Data leakage can also happen through hostile enterprise-signed
mobile apps. Here, mobile malware uses distribution code native to popular mobile operating systems like iOS and Android to spread valuable data across
corporate networks without raising red flags.”

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Bethwel Opil, Enterprise Sales Manager at Kaspersky in Africa, cautions consumers to proceed with caution in downloading and granting apps permissionKaspersky says reports show that six Android apps that were downloaded 90 million times from the Google Play Store were found to have been loaded with the PreAMo malware, while another recent threat saw 50 malware-filled apps on the Google Play Store infect over 30 million Android devices. Surveillance malware was also loaded onto fake versions of Android apps such as Evernote, Google Play and Skype.

Considering that as of 2019, Android users were able to choose between 2.46 million apps while Apple users have almost 1.96 million app options to select
from, and that the average person has 60-90 apps installed on their phone, using around 30 of them each month and launching 9 per day – Kaspersky says it’s
easy to see how viral apps take several social media channels by storm.

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“In this age where users jump onto a bandwagon because it’s fun or trendy, the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) can overshadow basic security habits – like being
vigilant on granting app permissions,” says Bethwel Opil, Enterprise Sales Manager at Kaspersky in Africa. “In fact, accordingly to a previous Kaspersky
study, the majority (63%) of consumers do not read license agreements and 43% just tick all privacy permissions when they are installing new apps on their
phone. And this is exactly where the danger lies – as there is certainly ‘no harm’ in joining online challenges or installing new apps.”

Kaspersky stresses that it is dangerous when users just grant apps limitless permissions into their contacts, photos, private messages, and more.Kaspersky stresses that it is dangerous when users just grant these apps limitless permissions into their contacts, photos, private messages, and more.

“Doing so allows the app makers possible, and even legal, access to what should remain confidential data. When this sensitive data is hacked or misused, a
viral app can turn a source into a loophole which hackers can exploit to spread malicious viruses or ransomware,” says Badenhorst.

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As such, online users should always have their thinking caps on and be more careful when it comes to the internet and their app habits including:

  • Only download apps from trusted sources. Read the reviews and ratings of the apps as well
  • Select apps you wish to install on your devices wisely
  • Read the license agreement carefully
  • Pay attention to the list of permissions your apps are requesting. Only give apps permissions they absolutely insist on, and forgo any programme that asks
    for more than necessary
  • Avoid simply clicking “next” during an app installation
  • For an additional security layer, be sure to have a security solution installed on your device

    Riaan Badenhorst, Kaspersky Africa General Manager, cautions online users to always have their thinking caps on and be more careful when it comes to the internet and their app habits.“While the app market shows no signs of slowing down, it is changing. Consumers download the apps they love on their devices which in turn gives them access
    to content that is relevant and useful. The future of apps will be in real-world attribution, influenced by local content and this type of tailored in-app
    experience will lead consumers to share their data more willing in a trusted, premium app environment in exchange for more personalised experiences. But
    until then, proceed with caution,” concludes Opil.

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